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Old 4th August 2009 | 18:17
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CirrusF
 
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: bored
PA is the altitude in standard atmosphere at the pressure measured at site - it gives you an idea of how how an aircraft will perform aerodynamically, so necessary for take-off and landing performance calculations. Also an indication of how a jet engine performance will be affected, as jet engines are just lots of whirling wings..

DA is the altitude in standard atmosphere at the density measured at site - primarily is a measure of how the pilot will feel in a non-pressurised aircraft as it correlates closely to oxygen partial pressure, and is also relevant for performance of non-turbo piston engines.

OK, its not an exact science, but more or less without going into lots of detail that is how the figures can be interpreted..
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